It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…..
Actually, since I touched on the Riders and the Berries yesterday in this commentary, I’m going to wax on the various sub-headlines under the main headline – Local round-up, Saskatoon athletes excel at national track and field championships…..
My reaction to the main headline about track and field is that I shouldn’t be surprised that local athletes are doing well on the national stage. That’s because there are very few days when I’m at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex, and on the other side of Cairns Field, there isn’t a large crowd of young people working out on the track and field facilities! Good on people like the big names – Savannah Sutherland and Kaitlyn Harrison, plus many others – for doing the work and being rewarded!
Sub-headline…Saskatchewan Rattlers split pair of C-E-B-L games. Reaction…unfortunately, it’s going to be a third straight non-playoff year for the franchise that took Saskatoon and the province by storm in the initial season by winning the 2019 championship at SaskTel Centre! At some point, there has to be a winning record to bring bigger crowds that will allow the Snakes to continue to be viable! I want to ask my friend and Rattlers’ president Lee Genier what needs to be done to change on-court fortunes, but I’m not sure he would do what I think needs to be considered!
Next sub-headline…Carnduff Southeast Steelers are national fast-pitch champions. Reaction…the only thing not mentioned in the story is that Carnduff went into the Canadian Women’s event as the defending champion, meaning they successfully defended. Which leads me to ask what’s in the water in the southeast corner of the province?! Berries’ centre fielder Carter Beck could answer that for me, I’m sure!!
Last sub-headline…Three Saskatchewanians selected for U-18 Women’s Hockey Camp. My reaction…when I see names like Halle Duchene and Alida Korte, that tells me the pedigree is really good – hence they’re talented athletes in sports that their parents likely played, but didn’t make their big mark in! And, it shows that this province continues to churn out elite athletic talent on a per capita basis that is unparalleled and fun to watch!!
That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!
